Public Health Nurses' Perceptions of Their Roles and Activities Throughout the Phases of the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To explore how Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in Fukushima perceived their roles and activities as necessary or inadequate from the immediate aftermath through the long-term recovery of the nuclear disaster. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using a self-administered questionnaire with open-ended questions to capture the perceptions of PHNs across three disaster phases: peacetime; nuclear emergency; and recovery. Responses were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Results: PHNs' needs and perceived inadequacies varied across the disaster phases. In peacetime, the emphasis was on education for disaster preparedness for both nurses and residents. During the nuclear emergency, the focus shifted to the need for PHN deployment and radiation screening systems, highlighting a significant gap in radiation knowledge. In the recovery phase, the importance of ongoing resident support, rumor management, and trust-building was emphasized, alongside an increased need for radiation education. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical need for phase-specific support systems and educational programs to enhance PHNs' disaster response capabilities. It underscores the importance of preparedness plans and continuous training to improve PHNs' effectiveness in addressing public health challenges during nuclear disasters. This study was not registered.